The quality of things in our lives is important. Poorly constructed things can fall apart. In regard to our relationships we need to spend quality time with those who matter to us.

The expression, 'quality time' came into use during the seventies and is now frequently used. People may desire quality time with their children, partner or friends.

Quality time is all about giving someone your undivided attention. In this age of multitasking, it is easy to slip into a pattern of chatting to someone but be doing other things at the same time. Perhaps our mind is distracted and we are thinking about everything we need to get done. For some people it is second nature to be talking but fiddling with their mobile phone checking text messages, looking at Facebook or playing a game.

Sometimes it is okay to be talking as you cook a meal, drive or attend to something else. At times you may be sharing a task with someone else and talk about what's been happening recently at the same time.

At other times, the other person needs you to listen carefully. The topic may be something he/she finds it difficult to talk about. They are trusting you to pay attention and they don't want to have to repeat what they are saying.

It is not only with talking that it is important to give the situation at hand your full attention. Your family and friends deserve your focus and it is good for you too. You might say it doesn't matter because you are just playing a game or having fun together. However, if you are to benefit from the fun times and reduce your stress you need to be in the moment.

Our relationships can fall apart if we don't have 'quality time' with those that matter to us. We may think we spend a fair bit of time in the same vicinity as these people but unless we do special things together and really communicate, we may lose touch or not be as emotionally close as we would like.